U.S. patent number 5,263,223 [Application Number 07/844,479] was granted by the patent office on 1993-11-23 for apparatus for cleaning interior surfaces.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Von Schrader Company. Invention is credited to Paul S. Fiegel, Herbert W. Meyer, Mark Pleshek, Quenten H. Rench.
United States Patent |
5,263,223 |
Fiegel , et al. |
November 23, 1993 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Apparatus for cleaning interior surfaces
Abstract
The invention is an improvement in floor-standing machines for
cleaning inside surfaces of buildings such as walls and ceilings.
The improved machine includes a first support for supporting the
apparatus in an upright orientation and a second support for
supporting the apparatus in a horizontal orientation. The machine
may readily be moved on the floor in the upright orientation and in
dolly-like fashion and supported on the floor for use in a "face
up" horizontal orientation. The machine has modular
dirt-collection, cleaning solution and rinse water tanks, each of
which is slidably attached to a mounting member. The tanks are
readily removable for filling and/or emptying as needed. Implements
such as cleaning wands and the like are conveniently stored at the
side of the machine.
Inventors: |
Fiegel; Paul S. (Racine,
WI), Meyer; Herbert W. (Racine, WI), Pleshek; Mark
(Milwaukee, WI), Rench; Quenten H. (Racine, WI) |
Assignee: |
Von Schrader Company (Racine,
WI)
|
Family
ID: |
25292825 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/844,479 |
Filed: |
March 2, 1992 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/321; 15/264;
15/323; 15/327.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L
5/28 (20130101); A47L 5/362 (20130101); A47L
9/00 (20130101); A47L 9/0027 (20130101); A47L
11/38 (20130101); A47L 11/4091 (20130101); A47L
11/4016 (20130101); A47L 11/4025 (20130101); A47L
11/4072 (20130101); A47L 11/4083 (20130101); A47L
11/40 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47L
11/00 (20060101); A47L 11/38 (20060101); A47L
5/36 (20060101); A47L 9/00 (20060101); A47L
5/22 (20060101); A47L 5/28 (20060101); A47L
009/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;15/321,323,327.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Moore; Chris K.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jansson & Shupe, Ltd.
Claims
We claim:
1. In floor-standing apparatus for cleaning inside surfaces of
buildings such as walls and ceilings, the improvement
comprising:
at least one tank-like module having a cap closing the module;
first support structure for supporting the apparatus in an upright
orientation, the first support structuring including at least one
wheel and a first bar-like member;
second support structure for supporting the apparatus in a
horizontal orientation, the second support structure including the
wheel and a second bar-like member; and
the cap is at the top of the module when the apparatus is supported
in the horizontal orientation; and,
the apparatus is taller in the upright orientation than in the
horizontal orientation;
whereby the apparatus may readily be moved on the floor when tilted
from the upright orientation and the apparatus is supported on the
floor for use in cleaning walls and ceilings in the horizontal
orientation.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 including:
a frame and a plurality of function modules removably secured to
the frame;
the modules being in vertical stacked relationship when the
apparatus is in the upright orientation;
said function modules being in use orientation when the apparatus
is in the horizontal orientation.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the modules include a
vacuum-tank module and a cleaner-tank module.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 including at least one cleaning
implement and wherein the modules further include a rinse-tank
module for holding implement rinse water.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 including monitoring member to which
the modules are removable secured, the mounting member and the
modules having an interlocking track structure thereon for mounting
the modules on the mounting member, whereby the modules are firmly
held by the mounting member with the apparatus in either the
upright orientation or the horizontal orientation.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the modules have facing
adjacent sides with complementary non-planar configurations,
whereby the modules are nested.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second support
structures define intersecting first and second support planes,
respectively, and include a common wheeled support at the
intersection of such planes, whereby the apparatus may be
transported on the floor in dolly-like fashion substantially in the
upright orientation.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the second support structure
also includes an upper support spaced from the wheeled support, the
upper support having grips associated therewith for use in
transport of the apparatus in the dolly-like fashion substantially
in the upright orientation.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first support structure
also includes a lower support spaced from the wheeled support, the
lower support having handles associated therewith for use in moving
the apparatus to an elevated location.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 comprising a frame having a pair of
bars forming both the upper and lower supports, the bars including
wheel-mounting portions for mounting the wheeled support.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising:
a mounting member secured to the bars thereby rigidifying the
frame; and
a plurality of function modules removably secured to the mounting
member in side-by-side fashion.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting member and the
modules have an interlocking track mounting structure thereon for
mounting the modules on the mounting member, whereby the modules
are firmly held by the mounting member with the apparatus in either
the upright orientation or the horizontal orientation.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising at least one
storage member secured to the mounting member in position between
the upper support and the wheeled support.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising means along the
side-by-side modules to accommodate storage of elongate work
members.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising:
a base member secured with respect to the lower support, the base
member positioned to support ends of the elongate work members;
and
the modules having aligned side surfaces with aligned recesses to
receive the elongate work members when the ends of such work
members are on the base member.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the bars includes:
an end forming the upper support, the bar extending from the end to
form a grip;
a portion extending from a grip toward the first support plane and
parallel to the corresponding portion of the other bar, the
mounting member having opposite edges affixed to the parallel
portions; and
a lower portion extending from the parallel portion to form the
wheel-mounting portion, the lower support, and the handles.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the mounting member and the
modules have an interlocking track mounting structure thereon for
mounting the modules on the mounting member, whereby the modules
are firmly held by the mounting member with the apparatus in either
the upright orientation or the horizontal orientation.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the modules have facing
adjacent sides with complementary non-planar configurations,
whereby the modules are nested.
19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the lower portions of the
bars also includes module-support portions in contact with one of
the function modules.
20. In apparatus for cleaning inside surfaces of buildings such as
walls and ceilings, the improvement comprising:
a frame supporting the apparatus when the apparatus is upright or
horizontal;
a plurality of function modules removably secured to the frame,
each module having a separate function when operating the
apparatus;
the modules are side-by-side when the apparatus is horizontal;
and
the modules are vertically stacked when the apparatus is upright;
and,
the modules are retained on the frame, irrespective of whether the
apparatus is upright or horizontal.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the modules include a
vacuum-tank module and a cleaner-tank module.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the modules further include a
rinse-tank module.
23. The apparatus of claim 20 including a mounting member to which
the modules are removable secured, the mounting member and the
modules having an interlocking track mounting structure thereon for
mounting the modules on the mounting member, whereby the modules
are firmly held by the mounting member.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising at least one
storage member secured to the mounting member in position.
25. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising means along the
side-by-side modules to accommodate storage of elongate work
members.
26. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the modules have facing
adjacent sides with complementary non-planar configurations,
whereby the modules are nested.
27. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the frame is a pair of bars
and the mounting member is secured to the bars thereby rigidifying
the frame.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the modules have facing
adjacent sides with complementary non-planar configurations,
whereby the modules are nested.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related generally to cleaning machines and, more
particularly, to such machines for cleaning interior surfaces of
buildings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Periodic cleaning of walls, ceilings and acoustical tiles is
important in maintaining the appearance of building interiors. And
the expanding use of acoustical tile ceilings is likely to be
attended by increasing demands for cleaning services.
Nowhere is wall and ceiling cleanliness more important than in a
commercial setting where customers and clients may frequently visit
the building. Cleanliness of offices, hallways, public areas and
the like helps make a good impression. And walls and ceilings of
establishments like restaurants and lounges often become soiled
more quickly than those in office buildings and, therefore, need
more frequent attention.
But there are other important reasons for keeping walls, ceilings
and acoustical tiles clean. Cleanliness of surroundings helps
maintain employee morale and productivity and air quality.
And such cleaning costs but a fraction of the cost of re-painting
ceiling and wall surfaces And unlike painting, cleaning does not
"clog pores" and thereby impair the sound-absorbing characteristic
of acoustical tile.
In commercial settings, such cleaning is frequently performed by
professional cleaners working under contract and with cleaning
machines designed for such tasks. Less often, building maintenance
employees perform such work but often use machines in doing so. In
any event, transportability and convenience of use are among the
key factors involved in machine selection. A well-designed,
technologically advanced, efficient, easy-to-use cleaning apparatus
will do a better job faster. And professional cleaners will be able
to move more quickly from job to job. But while such an apparatus
is highly desirable, earlier workers in the field of cleaning
machine design have not entirely met the needs of the application
and of the machine user.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,591,889 (Wisner) describes a wall and
ceiling cleaning apparatus having a plurality of tanks, a pump for
moving cleaning fluid to the end of a hose, and a "wet" vacuum
capability. Such apparatus has a complex, two-wheeled upright frame
(see FIG. 34) with locations for mounting various components. Its
cleaning and rinsing solution tanks seem difficult to fill and even
more difficult to empty. They are "captured" within the frame and
have rigid pipes connected thereto and impairing tank removal.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,081 (Wisner) shows another cleaning apparatus
sharing some of the disadvantages of the apparatus of the Wisner
'889 patent. But it has one of its own. Its four-wheel supported,
horizontal orientation suggests that it occupies a great deal of
floor space in storage.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,239,183 (Willard) discloses a wall and ceiling
cleaning machine with a single pump for both moving liquid to the
wall and moving it away from the wall. It has no vacuum
capability.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,794 (Korski et al.) shows a wall-cleaning
machine which includes both a pump for moving liquid to the site of
cleaning and suction units to remove dirty fluid.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,736 (Gremminger) shows a machine with both a
vacuum unit and a cleaning fluid supply unit. The patent also
indicates that such units may be mounted on a wheeled carriage.
An improved cleaning apparatus which has readily-removed modules,
which can be moved "dolly fashion" from site to site, which has
integral dry vacuum and liquid pumping capability and which stores
work implements and other items would be an important advance in
the art.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved cleaning
apparatus overcoming some of the problems and shortcomings of
devices of the prior art.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved cleaning
apparatus particularly suited for cleaning building ceilings and
interior walls.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved cleaning
apparatus which is readily moved in an upright orientation and
conveniently used in a floor-supported horizontal orientation.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved
cleaning apparatus arranged in easy-to-use modular
construction.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved cleaning
apparatus having a low center of gravity for more stable apparatus
moving and vehicular loading and unloading.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved
cleaning apparatus which stores ancillary items and equipment for
immediate use.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved
cleaning apparatus which is sturdily build for rigorous commercial
use. How these and other important objects are accomplished will be
apparent from the following descriptions and from the drawing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is an improvement in floor-supported or
"floor-standing" apparatus for cleaning inside surfaces of
buildings, particularly walls and ceilings.
In general, the improvement includes a pair of formed bars arranged
in a bar-like frame and a mounting member secured to the bars and
rigidifying the frame. A plurality of function modules, e.g.,
vacuum-tank, cleaner-tank and rinse-tank modules, are removably
secured to the mounting member in side-by-side fashion. These
modules are in convenient "use orientation" when the apparatus is
in the horizontal orientation.
The apparatus also includes a vacuum motor and a liquid pump. The
former removes dirt from surfaces to be cleaned and deposits it in
the vacuum-tank module. The latter is connected to the cleaner-tank
module and pumps liquid to such surfaces. As further described
below, the motor and pump are mounted to provide "anti-tipping"
stability and easier moving and loading or unloading to and from an
elevated location such as a truck bed.
The apparatus has first and second support means formed in part by
the bar-like frame. Such support means support the apparatus in
upright or horizontal orientation, respectively, so that it is
readily moved on and along a building floor in the upright
orientation and supported on the floor for use in the horizontal
orientation.
A wheeled support means, preferably including a pair of wheels each
on an individual axle, is common to both the first and second
support means. As viewed from the side of the apparatus, the first
and second support means define intersecting first and second
support planes, respectively. The wheeled support means is at the
intersection of such planes so that the apparatus may be
transported on the floor in rolling, dolly-like fashion
substantially in the upright orientation.
The first support means, that at the bottom when the apparatus is
upright, has a lower support means spaced from the wheeled support
means. Such lower support means has grasping handles associated
with it for use in moving the apparatus while in the horizontal
orientation. With the apparatus in such orientation, the handles
are "presented" upward and readily accessible.
The second support means, that at the rear of the apparatus when it
is upright, has an upper support means spaced from the wheeled
support means. Such upper support means has grip means, e.g., a
pair of grasping handles, associated with it for use when
transporting the apparatus in dolly-like fashion.
More specifically, the apparatus frame has a pair of bars which
form both the upper and lower support means. Each bar includes a
wheel-mounting portion for mounting a wheeled support means and the
pumps are secured to the frame in positions between the first
support means and the modules.
Each bar is uniquely shaped as one continuous piece, an end of each
of the two bars forms the upper support means and the bars extend
from such ends to form the grip means. Two spaced, parallel
portions of the bars (one portion of each bar) extend from the grip
means toward the first support plane and the mounting member has
opposite edges affixed to such parallel portions. Such
configuration helps make the frame more rigid.
Each of the bars also has a lower portion extending from the
parallel portion to form the wheel-mounting portion, the lower
support means, and the handles. The motor and pump, and
specifically the enclosure housing them, are secured to the lower
portions of the bars. Each of the lower bar portions also includes
a module-support portion in contact with one of the function
modules, i.e., that module directly above such portions when the
apparatus is in the upright position.
The apparatus also includes a mounting member to which the modules
are removably secured. The mounting member and the modules have
interlocking track mounting means thereon so that the modules are
firmly held by the mounting member with the apparatus in either the
upright or the horizontal orientation. The interlocking track
mounting means includes enlarged, rail-like tracks and a pair of
complementarily shaped slots for easy, sliding mounting and removal
of the modules. Preferably, the tracks protrudes from the mounting
member and the slots are formed in the modules.
And the modules themselves are unique. Such modules have facing
adjacent sides with complementary non-planar configurations so that
the modules are "nested" together.
Convenience in use is offered in other ways in the apparatus in
that it includes at least one storage member, e.g., a box-like
cabinet. The storage member is secured to the mounting member in
position between the upper support means and the wheeled support
means. And its door is accessible in both upright and horizontal
orientations.
Wall, ceiling and acoustical tile cleaning requires work members
such as spray and wiping poles which are rather difficult to handle
and store because of their length. The improved apparatus also has
means along the side-by-side modules to accommodate storage of such
elongate work members. In part, such storage is by a base member
secured with respect to the lower support means and positioned to
support the lower ends of the elongate work members.
The modules have aligned side surfaces with aligned recesses to
receive the elongate work members when the ends of such work
members are on the base member. In that way, such work members are
"sheltered" in the recesses and spring clips hold the work members
to prevent them from falling away. Not only are such work members
thereby securely retained but they are instantly available at the
start of cleaning.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front and left sides of the
improved apparatus in upright orientation and with parts broken
away.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front and left sides of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 but in horizontal orientation and with parts
broken away.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front and left sides of the
improved apparatus in upright orientation.
FIG. 4 is a partially-exploded, perspective view of a portion of
the apparatus of FIGS. 1-3 showing the electrical enclosure mounted
to the frame.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the electrical enclosure shown in
FIG. 4 with parts broken away to show a portion of the enclosure
interior.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 with
function modules omitted.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 with
the vacuum-tank module mounted.
FIG. 8 is a representative side elevation view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1 with parts in dashed outline and shown in conjunction with a
pickup truck and an apparatus user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The FIGURES show the improved apparatus 10 in accordance with the
invention. Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "top,"
"bottom," "front," "right," "vertical," "upright" and the like are
with reference to the apparatus 10 in upright orientation as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 3.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the improved apparatus 10 has a
bar-like frame 11 made of two hollow, identically-formed tubes or
bars 13, the shape of which is shown in FIG. 4. The upper ends 14
of the bars 13 form the upper support means 15 and each bar 13
extends from its end 14 to form the grip means 17. Each bar 13 also
has a portion 19 spaced from and parallel to that of the other bar
13. Such portions 19 extend from the grip means 17 toward what is
called the first support plane 21. The support means 15, plane 21
and the like are further described below.
Each bar 13 has a lower portion 23 extending from the parallel
portion 19 to form the wheel-mounting portion 25, the lower support
means 27 and a handle 29. Attached to each bar 13 at its wheel
mounting portion 25 is a wheel support flange 31 with a wheel 33,
supporting bearing 35 and axle-like shoulder bolt 37. The apparatus
10 is thereby provided with wheeled support means 39, other aspects
of which are described below.
At the bottom of the apparatus 10 is an electrical enclosure 41
bolted to the bars 13 and containing a vacuum motor 43 and a liquid
pump 45. The motor 43 removes dirt from surfaces to be cleaned and
the pump 45 delivers cleaning liquid to such surfaces.
Since the motor 43 and pump 45 are relatively heavy, positioning
the enclosure-mounted pump 45 and motor 43 in bottom positions,
i.e., to the lower portions 23 of the bars 13 and between the first
support means 47 and the modules 49, 51, 53, lowers the apparatus
center of gravity. Such arrangement makes it more stable when
upright for storage or when nearly upright as the apparatus 10 is
moved from site to site "dolly" fashion. Such arrangement is also
very helpful when loading or unloading the apparatus 10 to or from
an elevated surface 55, e.g., the bed of a pickup truck 57 as shown
in FIG. 8.
Referring additionally to FIG. 6, a mounting member 59 has a pair
of spaced, generally parallel grooves 61, one extending vertically
along either side of the member 59. The width of each groove 61 is
selected to be only slightly greater than the outside diameter of a
bar 13. The parallel portion 19 of a bar 13 is received in each
groove 61 and secured to the member 59 by bolts or other fasteners,
thus making the frame 11 substantially more rigid.
The lower portion 23 of each bar 13 has a module-support portion 63
in contact with the lower function module 49. Function modules 49,
51, 53 are arranged one atop the other (in side-by-side fashion as
seen in FIG. 2) and removably secured to the member 59 in the
manner described below. While such modules 49, 51, 53 can be
"stacked" in any order, a highly preferred order includes a
vacuum-tank module 49, a cleaner-tank module 51 and a rinse-tank
module 53, in that order from bottom to top. Such arrangement is
preferred in view of the fact that modules 49, 51, 53 are removed
starting with the top module 53. And modules 49, 51, 53 are
arranged in order of frequency of removal, the rinse-tank module 53
being removed most frequently.
Of course, modules 49, 51, 53 can have any of a wide variety of
shapes. However, in the preferred embodiment, the modules 49, 51,
53 have facing adjacent sides 65 with complementary non-planar
configurations so that the modules 49, 51, 53 are "nested." When so
configurated, the resulting structure is reminiscent of a
tongue-and-groove or dovetail joint.
The vacuum-tank module 49 has an access cap 67 and a filter (not
shown) within. The module 49 is connected to the motor 43 and dust
and other dry particulates are drawn into the module 49 and
retained there until the module 49 is emptied as needed.
Motor-to-module connection and module-to-vacuum brush connection
are by hoses plugged into ports on the rear of the module 49.
The cleaner-tank module 51 has an access cap 67 and, similarly, is
connected to and constitutes a reservoir for the fluid pump 45.
Such pump 45 delivers cleaning solution from the module 51 to the
spray pole 91 or to a wall-washing, pole-mounted glider pad
(not-shown). The rinse-tank module 53 is mounted near the top of
the apparatus 10 and has a water-holding cavity 71 and a grooved,
slightly angled extraction "shelf 73." When performing a washing
operation as described below, the sponge 75 or other cleaning
implement is rinsed in water placed into the cavity 71 at the start
of the cleaning operation. The implement is then pressed against
the shelf 73 to remove excess water which runs back into the cavity
71. Before transporting the apparatus 10, the rinse-tank module 53
is removed from the mounting member 59 by sliding such module 53
along the track mounting means 107 forward the grip means 17. Water
in the module 53 is then emptied and the module 53 returned to its
position on the mounting means 107.
The apparatus 10 also includes at least one storage member 77
secured to the mounting member 59 in position between the upper
support means 15 and the wheeled support means 39. Such storage
member 77 includes a box-like cabinet 79 with a latching door 80 so
that the user may conveniently store spare sponges, rags and the
like. The storage member 77 also has a mandrel-like hose support 81
with an enlarged retainer plate 83 preventing the hose 85 from
slipping off. Flexible hose 85 is stored by wrapping it around the
support 81. Elongate, implement-like work members 87 used with the
apparatus 10 include a vacuum brush wand 89, a spray pole 91, a
sponge wiping pole 93 and the like.
The apparatus 10 also has means 95 along the modules 49, 51, 53 to
accommodate storage of these tubular members 87. As shown in FIG.
3, the lower ends of such members 87 are supported on a base member
99 secured with respect to the lower support means 27 and
positioned to support the work members 87. The base member 99
projects laterally from the enclosure 41 and is preferably formed
as an integral part thereof. Clips 101 along the side of the
apparatus 10 secure the members 87 in place for quick removal means
103 such as aligned recesses 103a are provided in the aligned side
surfaces 105 of the modules 49, 51, 53 to receive and somewhat
"shelter" the stored work members 87.
The modules 49, 51, 53 are removably secured on the apparatus 10 in
a highly innovative way. Referring particularly to FIGS. 3, 6 and
7, the mounting member 59 and the modules 49, 51, 53 have
interlocking track mounting means 107 thereon to firmly hold the
modules 49, 51, 53 with the apparatus 10 in either the upright or
the horizontal orientation. In a highly preferred embodiment, such
means 107 includes a pair of parallel, spaced tracks 111 protruding
forward from the mounting member 59. Each linear, generally
vertical track 111 includes an elongate, relatively thin rib 115
supporting an enlarged, coextensive bead-like portion 117. In
cross-section, each track 111 resembles a keyhole in shape.
Each module 49, 51, 53 includes a pair of keyhole-shaped slots 121
configured and arranged to accept the tracks 111 with sliding
clearance. When mounting a module 49, 52, 53 the lower ends of the
slots 121 are aligned with the upper ends of the tracks 111 and the
module 49, 51, 53 slid downward into position.
Of course, there are several other ways to mount modules 49, 51, 53
without departing from the invention. As examples, the tracks 111
and slots 121 could be formed on the member 59 and modules 49, 51,
53 respectively. And such tracks 111 could be segmented or
"interrupted" rather than continuous along their lengths. So-called
"stab-on" attaching devices could also be used.
FIG. 1 shows the apparatus 10 in an upright orientation while in
FIG. 2, the apparatus 10 is portrayed in its horizontal, "face up,"
ready-to-use orientation. As will become apparent, the apparatus 10
is well supported in either orientation and readily moved from work
place to work place. The various apparatus support means, support
planes, gripping means and handles will now be described.
The apparatus 10 has first means 47 for supporting the apparatus 10
in a upright orientation. Such support means 47 includes the lower
support means 27, i.e., the "knee-like" parts of the bars 13 which
are spaced forward of the wheeled support means 39. The means 47
has handles 29 associated therewith for use in moving the apparatus
10 while it is in or near the horizontal orientation of FIG. 2.
Similarly, the apparatus 10 has second means 127 for supporting the
apparatus 10 in a horizontal orientation. The second support means
127 includes upper support means 15 (spaced from and above the
wheeled support means 39) and also has grip means 17 associated
therewith. Such grip means 17 (and, of course, the wheeled support
means 39) are for use in tipping the apparatus 10 backward slightly
and transporting the apparatus 10 in dolly-like fashion
substantially in the upright orientation.
As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second support means
47, 127 define first and second support planes 21 and 129,
respectively. Such planes 21, 129 intersect and include the common
wheeled support means 39 at the intersection 130. Stated another
way, the wheels 33 provide apparatus support in either upright or
horizontal orientation.
In the upright orientation of FIG. 1, the first plane 21 and the
second plane 129 are parallel and perpendicular, respectively, to a
floor. In horizontal orientation (FIG. 2), such planes 21, 129 are
respectively perpendicular and parallel to a floor.
In use, the apparatus 10 is brought to a work site by tilting it
rearward slightly and pushing it along much as one pushes a
refrigerator dolly. Once "spotted" at the work location, the
apparatus 10 is reclined to the horizontal orientation, work
members 87 removed for use and implement rinse water placed into
the module 53. If not already substantially filled with cleaning
solution, such solution is placed into the module 51. The work
members 87 and the apparatus 10 are then employed to clean walls
and ceilings in ways familiar to those in the cleaning field.
Following cleaning and after any necessary emptying of modules 49,
51, 53 and storage of work members 87, the user 125 grasps the grip
means 17, lifts the apparatus 10 to a near-upright orientation and
wheels it dolly-fashion to the next work site or to a vehicle,
e.g., a pickup truck 57. FIG. 8 shows how the apparatus 10 is
easily loaded. The apparatus 10 is "backed up" to the elevated
surface 55 (a truck bed, for example), and the user 125 lifts the
handles 29 and pushes the apparatus 10 into the truck 57. Because
of its low center of gravity (due in large part to the mounting
location of the enclosure 41), the apparatus 10 is much more easily
managed for loading than if the apparatus 10 were "top heavy."
While the principles of this invention have been described in
connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood
clearly that these descriptions are made only by way of example and
are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
* * * * *